Coffee giant Costa wants to open a shop in historic Rochester High Street.

Plans have been submitted to Medway Council for the chain to move into the current premises of Slinders Florist, close to the castle and cathedral.

Although the High Street has dozens of outlets selling coffee, this would be the first major chain to move in.

The proposal has left a bitter taste for some high street traders who say it is not wanted in the area while others have welcomed the news.

Alayne Fysh, owner of Frances Iles Gallery, said: “We already have some excellent coffee shops. We don’t need another one. I think it’s a shame they let Subway and Pizza Express open. Once the fast food chains get in it is a bit of a slippery slope. They creep in and take over.

“The nice thing about Rochester is that we don’t have big names. Rochester is quaint and quirky and that’s why people come here.”

Sarah Prentis, owner of the tea room Peggotty’s Parlour, said she was already struggling without having to compete with a big chain.

“I counted 52 eating places in Rochester last Christmas. Small businesses struggle to make a living in this high street without major competition.”

But others said the coffee shop would bring in more trade.

Jo Reid, owner of Fezziwigs, said: “I think it could be good as people use it as a meeting place really. They sit and look out of the windows and then will look in the shops.”

Gwen Edney, owner of Memories, added: “Quite a lot of shops have moved away, and I think a Costa Coffee would bring more people to the area. There are quite a lot of coffee shops here already though.”

Kevan Middleton, owner of the coffee shop Deaf Cat, insisted he wasn’t afraid of the competition.

“I think the high street needs bigger brands to get people down here and then they go into the independent shops,” he added.

“I respect Costa. They have introduced coffee to the world and made it something people have when they go out. Without them I wouldn’t be doing what I am now.”

A spokeswoman for Slinders said they were unable to comment. The shop is expected to create eight jobs, six of which will be part-time.

A spokesman for Costa said: “As the UK’s favourite coffee shop and one of the success stories on the UK high street, we work closely with planning departments across the country.

“We are currently evaluating opportunities in the Rochester, Medway area, but have no firm plans in place at this stage.”

A decision is expected to be made in January 2014.

Costa already has Medway branches in Chatham High Street, Rainham High Street and Hempstead Valley Shopping Valley.